Decorative light guide as high speed optical interconnect

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include apparatuses and process schemes for using a plastic decorative light guide of a vehicle as a high-speed optical interconnect. An example method can include forming a decorative light guide from a transparent material. The decorative light guide includes a first insert and a second insert. An optical property for optical communication through the decorative light guide is selected based on a current color of the decorative light guide. Light having the optical property is injected into the first insert by a light emitter, and the light is received from the second insert by a light receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This subject matter discloses information related to automotive data communication and telematics, and more specifically to the use of decorative light guides as high-speed optical interconnects by utilizing the light-guiding properties of plastics. Background Technology

[0002] The number of control functions and objects required in motor vehicles has increased rapidly to meet the ever-increasing power and data demands of increasingly complex in-vehicle data communication systems. These systems are increasingly reliant on a greater number and variety of sensors, cameras, and other devices to enhance the driver experience.

[0003] Typically, one or more Electronic Control Units (ECUs) manage data communication between various sensors, cameras, and other controlled objects (e.g., engine and exhaust system ECUs) in an in-vehicle data communication system. To accommodate a greater number of controlled objects, the number of terminals (inputs / outputs) of the ECU has increased, resulting in larger and more complex ECU designs. Furthermore, the number of physical connections (wires) required between the ECU and the various controlled objects has also increased.

[0004] The ECU is typically located on or below the dashboard, while the controllers for the in-vehicle data communication system can be located anywhere in the vehicle. For example, they can be found on the roof, along the wheelbase, near the side mirrors, or elsewhere. Wiring harnesses are used to connect the ECU and the controller located above the dashboard. The wiring harnesses typically pass through the A-pillars of the vehicle frame. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes using a plastic decorative light guide of a vehicle as a high-speed optical interconnect. The method may include forming the decorative light guide using a transparent material, a first insert, and a second insert. The method includes selecting optical properties for optical communication via the decorative light guide based on the current color of the decorative light guide. The method also includes injecting light with the optical properties into the first insert by a light emitter, and receiving the light from the second insert by a light receiver.

[0006] In some embodiments, the optical properties include at least one of the color, frequency, wavelength, and intensity of the light.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, optical properties may be selected such that the observable portion of optical communication through the decorative light guide matches the current color of the decorative light guide. In some embodiments, the optical properties are selected from non-visible light frequencies. In some embodiments, the optical properties are selected from visible light frequencies.

[0008] In some embodiments, light passes between the first insert and the second insert in a direction parallel to the main surface of the decorative light guide.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first insert and the second insert each comprise a polished transparent material having a surface variation of less than 3%.

[0010] In some embodiments, a light emitter defines a portion of a communication hub on the surface of a first insert, and a light receiver defines a portion of a control object on the surface of a second insert. In some embodiments, the control object includes one or more of a camera, a display, a rain sensor, an air quality sensor, a driver monitor, a passenger monitor, and a microphone. In some embodiments, the communication hub negotiates with the control object to communicate using light having selected optical properties via a decorative light guide.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the system is configured to provide high-speed optical interconnection in a vehicle. The system includes a decorative light guide, a first insert in a first region of the decorative light guide, and a second insert in a second region of the decorative light guide. A processor is configured to select optical properties for optical communication via the decorative light guide based on the current color of the decorative light guide. A light emitter is positioned on a surface of the first insert. The light emitter is configured to inject light having the optical properties into the first insert. A light receiver is positioned on a surface of the second insert. The light receiver is configured to receive light at the surface of the second insert.

[0012] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed specification, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 A vehicle according to one or more embodiments is depicted, the vehicle being configured to use decorative light guides as high-speed optical interconnects by leveraging the light-guiding properties of plastic;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the decorative light guide of the vehicle shown.

[0016] Figure 3 A computer system according to one or more embodiments; and

[0017] Figure 4 It is a flowchart according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to processing circuitry, which may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuitry, memory and processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments, complex in-vehicle data communication systems need to be developed to meet the demands of the automotive industry. To enhance the driver experience, an increasing number and variety of sensors, cameras, and other devices are being used throughout the vehicle. In-vehicle data communication systems must adapt to keep pace with the ever-increasing power and data requirements of these controlled objects (also known as modules).

[0020] Some challenges of in-vehicle data communication systems include data and communication routing. Each controlled object must have a means of communicating with other vehicle systems, such as ECUs, typically via data cables as well as low-power and high-power wiring. For example, a rain sensor needs a data path to its corresponding ECU to provide measured rainfall levels for things like windshield wiper control. ECUs and controlled objects can be located distributed throughout the vehicle. Therefore, as the number of controlled objects increases and their locations are dispersed throughout the vehicle, routing becomes more complex. For example, the number of data cables and low-power and high-power lines, as well as their distances to their respective ECUs, typically increase.

[0021] Wiring harnesses have become increasingly larger to accommodate the growing number of electrical and data connections in in-vehicle data communication systems. To accommodate these larger harnesses, vehicle pillars (e.g., A-pillars) face a similar scaling issue, requiring larger pillars to house the wiring. However, manufacturers prefer the flexibility to offer smaller pillars to improve the customer experience. For example, smaller A-pillars allow for wider windshields.

[0022] The embodiments described herein do not increase the size and complexity of the wiring harness, but rather utilize the natural light-guiding properties of plastic to use one or more decorative light guides (e.g., main dashboard light guides, ventilation light guides, instrument panel light guides, etc.) as high-speed optical interconnects. In some embodiments, various control objects are attached or otherwise coupled to the decorative light guide, and high-speed optical communication with a remote communication hub (communication gateway, ECU, etc.) is achieved via the decorative light guide in a direction parallel to the main surface of the decorative light guide (i.e., along the mounting or molding path of the decorative light guide). In this way, one or more decorative light guides (e.g., main dashboard light guides or any other decorative light guide in the vehicle) can replace one or more data cables of an in-vehicle data communication system, alleviating the size limitations of the wiring harness. In particular, the wiring harness can be greatly simplified because only power gating (e.g., to the roof) needs to be performed via the wiring harness.

[0023] The technical solutions described in this paper contribute to a range of improvements to automotive and data communication technologies. First, modifying the in-vehicle data communication system to utilize the light-guiding properties of plastic allows the use of various plastic components within the vehicle (e.g., plastic dashboard light guides, instrument panel light guides, etc.) as an information transmission layer to achieve high-speed links on all devices attached to the decorative light guides. Furthermore, this configuration allows for the placement of control objects without concern for their impact on wiring harnesses. Additionally, control objects can be placed in locations that would otherwise be impractical due to the difficulty of accessing the wiring harnesses. For example, locations where the wiring harnesses cannot be repaired, locations where manufacturing the wiring harnesses for repair would be too complex or expensive, or locations where the dimensions of the corresponding wiring harnesses cannot meet the design goals for the strut width.

[0024] Other technical advantages are also possible. In some embodiments, a centralized communication hub is positioned on a decorative light guide to send and receive data from multiple controlled objects (also positioned on the decorative light guide). The communication hub can use a mixture of light frequencies and wavelengths (e.g., color, visible light, infrared light, etc.) for optical communication via the decorative light guide to provide redundancy and interference protection. In some embodiments, the communication hub uses a color matching protocol, whereby the color of the light used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels) with one or more controlled objects is changed to match the current color of the decorative light guide. For example, if the decorative light guide changes from blue to red (e.g., due to user selection and / or automation processes), the primary communication channel used for optical communication between the communication hub and one or more controlled objects can switch from a blue light frequency to a red light frequency.

[0025] In some embodiments, invisible light frequencies are used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels), which can be transmitted substantially simultaneously (i.e., concurrently) with the current visible color of the decorative light guide. As used herein, invisible light frequencies refer to light that is invisible to the human eye (e.g., frequencies below 430 THz or above 790 THz, corresponding to wavelengths below 390 nm and above 700 nm). In this way, optical communication across the decorative light guide is unobservable (e.g., for drivers, passengers, etc.) and will not affect the visible color of the decorative light guide.

[0026] In other embodiments, the communication hub uses a communication protocol whereby visible frequency light is preferentially used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels) with one or more controlled objects. As used herein, visible light frequency refers to light that is visible to the human eye (e.g., frequencies between 430 THz and 790 THz, corresponding to wavelengths between 390 nm and 700 nm). For example, decorative light guides can be modified as needed to change visible characteristics (e.g., color, brightness and / or intensity, flicker effects, etc.) to provide optical communication between the communication hub and one or more controlled objects. In this way, the optical communication itself is observable and can be appreciated by the user (e.g., driver, passenger, etc.) when observing the decorative light guide. Furthermore, using plastic decorative light guides as high-speed optical interconnects allows for higher bandwidth peripherals because those data connections are no longer subject to cable-limited gating.

[0027] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown, configured to use plastic decorative light guides 102 (e.g., main decorative light guides, dashboard light guides, etc.) as high-speed optical interconnects by utilizing the light-guiding properties of plastic. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 100 may include various structural elements (e.g., frame 104, door 106, instrument panel 108, dashboard 110, etc.) configured together or separately to house decorative light guides 102. Frame 104 may include, for example, the roof, front bulkhead, and various pillars (e.g., A-pillars) of vehicle 100. Dashboard 110 may include, for example, one or more dials or gauges configured to display information (e.g., gas level, speed, RPM, etc.) to a user of vehicle 100.

[0028] Vehicle 100 also includes a communication hub 112 and one or more control objects (e.g., control objects 114, 116, 118). The number, size, and relative position of each of the communication hub 112 and control objects 114, 116, 118 on the decorative light guide 102 are provided for ease of discussion and illustration only and are not intended to be particularly limiting. In various embodiments, the number, size, and / or position of the control objects may differ. Furthermore, in some embodiments, vehicle 100 includes two or more communication hubs (e.g., communication hub 112 and one or more additional hubs, not shown separately).

[0029] Similarly, the number and general configuration of decorative light guides (e.g., decorative light guide 102) are provided for ease of discussion and illustration only and are not intended to be particularly limiting. In some embodiments, one or more additional decorative light guides (e.g., additional decorative light guide 120) are arranged throughout the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, a subset of control objects 114, 116, 118 are arranged on decorative light guide 102, while the remaining control objects 114, 116, 118 are arranged on one or more additional decorative light guides (e.g., additional decorative light guide 120).

[0030] The communication hub 112 may be a high-speed optical gateway integrated into one or more vehicle networks (e.g., remote ECUs, processors, etc., not shown separately). In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 includes direct wiring to one or more vehicle networks. In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 is configured with a transmitter and a receiver for optical communication across the decorative light guide 102. (About...) Figure 2 A more detailed description of the communication hub 112 is provided.

[0031] Controlled objects 114, 116, and 118 may include any number of sensors, cameras, and other high-speed or high-bandwidth accessories (driver and / or passenger health or alertness monitors, air quality monitors, air conditioning and / or ventilation controllers, etc.). The type and function of controlled objects 114, 116, and 118 are not intended to be particularly limited and may include accessories currently available or developed in the future.

[0032] In some embodiments, control objects 114, 116, and 118 provide the same general functionality (e.g., a driver monitor and a passenger monitor). In some embodiments, each of control objects 114, 116, and 118 provides different functionality for vehicle 100. For example, control object 114 may include a rearview camera screen, control object 116 may include a rain sensor, and control object 118 may include an air quality monitor. Other control objects (not shown separately) may include, for example, a microphone for measuring ambient noise levels.

[0033] In some embodiments, each of the control objects 114, 116, 118 is configured with a transmitter and a receiver for optical communication across the decorative light guide 102. In this way, data collected from the control objects 114, 116, 118 can be used by a remote system of the vehicle 100 (ECU, processor, etc., not shown separately) for control decisions. For example, a remote ECU can use ambient noise levels measured from a microphone to compensate for (increase or decrease) radio or telephone sound levels. A remote ECU can use air quality data to implement air recirculation (i.e., shutting down the air system). (Refer to...) Figure 2 A more detailed description of controlled objects 114, 116, and 118.

[0034] In some embodiments, the communication hub 112, control objects 114, 116, 118, and remote systems of vehicle 100 (e.g., ECUs) collectively define all or part of a comprehensive in-vehicle data communication system (not shown separately). The in-vehicle data communication system may also include various data and electrical connections (wiring, harnesses, etc.) required to communicatively couple the communication hub 112, control objects 114, 116, 118, and remote systems.

[0035] In some embodiments, various decorative light guides (e.g., decorative light guide 102 and additional decorative light guide 120) may be configured as a single cooperative optical communication system. In some embodiments, coordination between the various decorative light guides is maintained by communicatively coupling each of the decorative light guides to a communication hub 112 and / or a remote system of the vehicle 100 (e.g., an ECU). In some embodiments, each of the decorative light guides is provided with its own communication hub 112, which is communicatively coupled to other communication hubs (not shown separately) and / or remote systems (e.g., ECUs) of the vehicle 100.

[0036] In some embodiments, various decorative light guides (e.g., decorative light guide 102 and additional decorative light guide 120) can be configured as separate optical communication layers, each having its own communication hub 112 (not shown separately). In some embodiments, each communication hub 112 is communicatively coupled to some (including all) remote systems (e.g., ECUs) of the vehicle 100. In this type of configuration, each of the decorative light guides (e.g., decorative light guide 102 and additional decorative light guide 120) and its corresponding communication hub 112 serve as its own optical communication subsystem for one or more control objects (e.g., a group of control objects 114, 116, 118) of the vehicle 100. Advantageously, this arrangement allows each decorative light guide to be configured differently as needed (e.g., depending on the data requirements / relative priority / etc. of the attached control object).

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the decorative light guide 102 of the vehicle 100 shown. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, for ease of discussion, the relative positions between the communication hub 112 and the control object (e.g., control object 116) on the decorative light guide 102 have been modified. Figure 2 As further shown, the decorative light guide 102 includes a main surface 202 and an optical path 204 extending below and parallel to the main surface 202.

[0038] To utilize plastic (e.g., a decorative plastic light guide) as the light guide, one or more highly polished inserts (e.g., inserts 206a, 206b) are positioned within the decorative light guide 102 at an angle perpendicular to the main surface 202. Inserts 206a, 206b can be made of any material suitable for light transmission, such as glass, plastic, etc. (i.e., a completely or partially transparent material). As used herein, a highly polished insert refers to an insert polished until the surface has an average roughness (Ra) of 0.0025 to 0.2 micrometers (i.e., the variation measured from the average height). In some embodiments, inserts 206a, 206b are made of the same plastic material as the decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, inserts 206a, 206b are made of a different material than the decorative light guide 102.

[0039] Inserts 206a, 206b may be molded or otherwise incorporated within the decorative light guide 102 during its manufacture. Advantageously, the plastic decorative light guide can be readily molded into any desired shape / track configuration, and inserts 206a, 206b, etc., may be incorporated within the decorative light guide 102 during the same molding process. Alternatively, inserts 206a, 206b may be inserted into the decorative light guide 102 after its manufacture. In either case, multiple inserts may be prefabricated at any location along the decorative light guide 102 for later "plug-and-play" attachment points. In some embodiments, one or more recesses (not shown separately) are formed in the decorative light guide 102 and are polished prior to the installation of inserts 206a, 206b. In some embodiments, each of the one or more recesses is sized to accommodate an insert (i.e., the insert can be inserted into or otherwise mounted within the recess).

[0040] In some embodiments, inserts 206a, 206b are placed, molded, or otherwise formed at a depth of approximately 50% of the thickness of the decorative light guide 102 (i.e., terminating at approximately halfway down the decorative light guide 102), but other configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, inserts 206a, 206b are placed, molded, or otherwise formed to terminate at a depth of approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the thickness of the decorative light guide 102 (as measured from the topmost surface 202). In some embodiments, one or more of inserts 206a, 206b are positioned directly against the sidewall of the decorative light guide 102 rather than within a recess. In other embodiments, one or more of inserts 206a, 206b are placed, molded, or otherwise formed below the surface of the sidewall of the decorative light guide 102.

[0041] As previously discussed, inserts 206a and 206b serve as attachment points for various control objects (e.g., control objects 114, 116, 118) and communication hubs (e.g., communication hub 112) on the decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 and control object 114 are respectively attached to inserts 206A and 206B (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown).

[0042] In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 includes a transmitter 208 configured to inject light into a decorative light guide 102 via an insert 206a. In some embodiments, the transmitter 208 is a high-power light emitter, such as an LED emitter, or a light emitter of the same or similar type as those used for optical fibers. In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 also includes a receiver 210 configured to receive light via the insert 206a. In this way, bidirectional optical communication can be performed via the insert 206a through the decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, the transmitter 208 and receiver 210 are separate modules within the communication hub 112. In some embodiments, the transmitter 208 and receiver 210 are incorporated into the same module within the communication hub 112.

[0043] In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 is communicatively coupled via wiring 212 to one or more remote ECUs (e.g., processor 214) of the vehicle 100's in-vehicle data communication system (not shown separately). In this way, the communication hub 112 acts as a gateway or intermediary for communication between the various controlled objects 114, 116, 118 and the processor 214. In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 and / or the processor 214 may be positioned such that no wiring harness is required between the communication hub 112 and the processor 214. In this configuration, the communication hub 112 may include optical connections to the processor 214 and to various controlled objects (e.g., controlled object 114) on the decorative light guide 102. In other embodiments, the communication hub 112 is provided with a direct wired connection to the processor 214 via a wiring harness or as a simple wired connection without a complete wiring harness. In this configuration, the communication hub 112 has a direct wired connection to the processor 214 and an optical connection to various control objects (e.g., control object 114) on the decorative light guide 102.

[0044] In some embodiments, each control object (e.g., control object 116) includes a transmitter 216 and a receiver 218, configured in the same manner as transmitter 208 and receiver 210, for bidirectional optical communication via an insert (e.g., insert 206b) through a decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, the transmitter 216 and receiver 218 are separate modules within the respective control objects of control objects 114, 116, 118. In some embodiments, the transmitter 216 and receiver 218 are incorporated within the same module within the respective control objects of control objects 114, 116, 118.

[0045] One advantage of the in-vehicle data communication system described herein is that the described insert and transmitter / receiver orientation will not affect optical transmission between the two systems (i.e., between a communication hub and its corresponding sensor, or between a combination of multiple sensors with hubs in between).

[0046] In some embodiments, inserts 206a, 206b, control objects 114, 116, 118, and communication hub 112 are pre-installed in decorative light guide 102 and pre-configured for communication with processor 214. In some embodiments, only communication hub 112 and insert 206a are pre-installed in decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, only inserts (e.g., inserts 206a, 206b) are pre-installed in decorative light guide 102. In this way, inserts 206a, 206b serve as "plug-and-play" attachment points, allowing for future customization and upgrades, including, for example, incorporating later-developed advanced accessories, with minimal impact.

[0047] In some embodiments, the installation (attachment) of a control object (e.g., control object 116) initiates a handshake / authentication process with the communication hub 112 and / or processor 214. For example, a new control object (e.g., control object 116) may be installed at an existing unused insert in inserts 206a, 206b. Once installed, the control object can exchange handshake / authentication data with the communication hub 112 and / or processor 214 to establish an optical communication link.

[0048] In some embodiments, the handshake / authentication exchange includes negotiating communication parameters, such as the required data rate, the optical characteristics of the optical communication channel (e.g., wavelength, frequency, visible light, IR, etc.), the active / sleep communication window, and definitions or parameters to be passed to or from the control object. In some embodiments, a newly installed control object may request communication via a specific optical frequency or wavelength, and if available, the communication hub 112 and / or processor 214 may acknowledge the requested communication medium as an available and acceptable communication channel. In some embodiments, the communication hub 112 specifies which wavelengths carry data to the newly installed control object.

[0049] In some embodiments, various control objects (e.g., control object 116) and communication hub 112 communicate via optical frequencies or wavelengths specifically assigned to the accessory, thus not affecting any OEM default / high-priority systems of vehicle 100 (not shown separately). In some embodiments, each control object (e.g., control objects 114, 116, 118) is assigned an authorized optical frequency or wavelength band for communication. In this way, a dedicated communication channel can be provided for each control object. In some embodiments, the assigned frequency or wavelength partially or completely overlaps with the assigned frequency or wavelength of one or more other control objects if a particular configuration requires or desires it.

[0050] To provide redundancy and interference protection, in some embodiments, various controlled objects (e.g., control object 116) and communication hub 112 communicate via a primary optical medium (e.g., red light) and one or more secondary or backup optical media (e.g., yellow light).

[0051] To provide bandwidth flexibility, in some embodiments, various control objects (e.g., control object 116) and communication hub 112 communicate via a primary optical medium (e.g., red light), wherein additional optical media (e.g., red and yellow light) may be optionally included to meet bandwidth considerations. In some embodiments, more or fewer optical communication channels (mediums) can be dynamically allocated to a control object as the required bandwidth of the respective control object changes over time. For example, a control object may initialize communication with communication hub 112 via green light and later increase bandwidth by communicating via green, red, and yellow light. Bandwidth flexibility can also be employed by gradually allocating the control object to optical media with capacity (e.g., allocating the control object to red light until “full,” then starting to use yellow light, etc.).

[0052] Figure 3 Aspects of an embodiment of a computer system 300 capable of performing various aspects of the embodiments described herein are illustrated. In some embodiments, the computer system 300 may be incorporated into one or more of a communication hub 112 and control objects 114, 116, 118. The computer system 300 includes at least one processing device 302, which typically includes one or more processors for performing aspects of the methods described herein.

[0053] The computer system 300 includes a processing device 302 (such as one or more processors or processing units), a memory 304, and a bus 306 that couples various system components, including the system memory 304, to the processing device 302. The system memory 304 may include various computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media accessible by the processing device 302, and includes volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media.

[0054] For example, system memory 304 includes non-volatile memory 308 such as a hard disk drive, and may also include volatile memory 310 such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Computer system 300 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media.

[0055] System memory 304 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein. For example, system memory 304 stores various program modules that typically perform the functions and / or methods of the embodiments described herein. One or more modules 312, 314 may be included to perform functions associated with one or more of the controlled objects 114, 116, 118 and communication hub 112, such as, for example, acquiring images (e.g., for a camera), controlling windshield wiper speed based on sensor data (e.g., for a rain sensor), etc. System 300 is not limited thereto, as other modules may be included depending on the functions of the respective controlled objects. As used herein, the term "module" refers to processing circuitry, which may include application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuitry, memory and processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0056] Processing device 302 can also be configured to communicate with one or more external devices 316, such as, for example, a keyboard, indicating devices, and / or any device that enables processing device 302 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., other controlled objects, communication hub 112, network interface card, modem, ECU, etc.). Communication with various devices can occur via input / output (I / O) interfaces 318 and 320.

[0057] Processing device 302 can also communicate with one or more networks 322 (such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), a bus network, and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet)) via network adapter 324. In some embodiments, network adapter 324 is or includes an optical network adapter for communication over an optical network (e.g., optical communication across decorative light guide 102). It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with computer system 300. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, and data archiving storage systems.

[0058] In some embodiments, processing device 302 is configured to select optical characteristics (e.g., color, frequency, wavelength, intensity, etc.) of light for optical communication, such as across decorative light guide 102. In some embodiments, processing device 302 is configured to use a stored strategy (e.g., a strategy stored in system memory 304) to select optical characteristics for communication between a communication hub (e.g., communication hub 112) and a specific controlled object (e.g., controlled object 116). This strategy may include, for example, a relative priority of the types of data transmitted via decorative light guide 102.

[0059] In some embodiments, the processing device 302 employs a strategy to implement a color-matching protocol, thereby changing the color of light used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels) with one or more controlled objects (e.g., control object 116) to match the current color of the decorative light guide 102. This type of strategy minimizes the observable (visible) impact on optical communication across the decorative light guide 102. For example, if the decorative light guide 102 changes from blue to red (e.g., due to user selection and / or automation processes), the primary communication channel used for optical communication between the communication hub 112 and the controlled object 116 can also switch from blue light to red light.

[0060] In some embodiments, invisible light frequencies are used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels). Advantageously, invisible light can be transmitted through the decorative light guide 102 substantially simultaneously (i.e., concurrently) with the current visible color of the decorative light guide 102. In this way, optical communication across the decorative light guide 102 is unobservable (e.g., for the driver, passenger, etc.) and will not affect the visible color of the decorative light guide 102.

[0061] In other embodiments, processing device 302 employs a strategy to implement a communication protocol whereby visible color light is preferentially used for the primary communication channel (and / or one or more secondary communication channels) between communication hub 112 and controlled objects 114, 116, 118. For example, decorative light guide 102 can modify the visible characteristics of the transmitted light (e.g., color, brightness and / or intensity, strobe effect, etc.) as needed to provide optical communication between communication hub 112 and controlled object 116. In this way, the optical communication itself is observable and can be appreciated by users (e.g., drivers, passengers, etc.) who can see decorative light guide 102. To enhance this effect, processing device 302 can be configured to prevent or disable the current “local” color selection of decorative light guide 102 (i.e., the currently selected color of the decorative light guide) when optical communication is requested. In this way, the visual effects of optical communication can be enjoyed without interference from the baseline color attributes of decorative light guide 102.

[0062] Now for reference Figure 4 A flowchart 400 for using decorative light guides as high-speed optical interconnects is generally shown according to an embodiment. (Reference) Figure 1-3 Describe flowchart 400, and flowchart 400 may include Figure 4 Additional steps not depicted. Although depicted in a specific order, Figure 4 The boxes depicted in the text can be rearranged, subdivided, and / or combined.

[0063] A decorative light guide is formed at frame 402. In some embodiments, the decorative light guide includes a transparent material, a first insert, and a second insert.

[0064] At box 404, the optical properties used for optical communication through the decorative light guide are selected based on the current color of the decorative light guide.

[0065] At frame 406, a light emitter injects light with optical properties into the first insert. In some embodiments, the optical properties include at least one of the light's color, frequency, wavelength, and intensity.

[0066] In some embodiments, the optical properties are selected such that the observable portion of the optical communication through the decorative light guide matches the current color of the decorative light guide. In some embodiments, the optical properties are selected from non-visible light frequencies. In some embodiments, the optical properties are selected from visible light frequencies.

[0067] At frame 408, a light receiver receives light from a second insert. In some embodiments, light passes between the first and second inserts in a direction parallel to the main surface of the decorative light guide. In some embodiments, the first and second inserts each comprise a polished transparent material with a surface variation of less than 3%.

[0068] In some embodiments, a light emitter defines a portion of a communication hub on the surface of a first insert, and a light receiver defines a portion of a control object on the surface of a second insert. In some embodiments, the control object includes one or more of a camera, a display, a rain sensor, an air quality sensor, a driver monitor, a passenger monitor, and a microphone. In some embodiments, the communication hub negotiates with the control object to communicate using light having selected optical properties via a decorative light guide.

[0069] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A method comprising: A decorative light guide is formed, the decorative light guide comprising a transparent material, a first insert and a second insert, and serving as a high-speed optical interconnect; The optical properties used for optical communication via the decorative light guide are selected based on the current color of the decorative light guide. Light with the aforementioned optical properties is injected into the first insert via a light emitter; as well as Light from the second insert is received via a light receiver; The light passes between the first insert and the second insert in a direction parallel to the main surface of the decorative light guide.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The optical properties include at least one of the color, frequency, wavelength, and intensity of the light.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The optical properties are selected such that the observable portion of the optical communication through the decorative light guide matches the current color of the decorative light guide.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the optical properties are selected from non-visible light frequencies.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the optical properties are selected from visible light frequencies.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first insert and the second insert each comprise a polished transparent material having a surface variation of less than 3%.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical transmitter defines a portion of a communication hub on the surface of the first insert, and the optical receiver defines a portion of a control object on the surface of the second insert.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the controlled object includes one or more of a camera, a display, a rain sensor, an air quality sensor, a driver monitor, a passenger monitor, and a microphone.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the communication hub negotiates with the controlled object to communicate using light having selected optical properties through the decorative light guide.

Images